The Houston Astros have managed numerous injuries to their starting rotation during the 2025 season, but to remain serious contenders for the World Series, they need to add another powerful arm behind Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown. Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres has emerged as a top candidate to fill this critical role, offering both experience and contract suitability for Houston’s short-term ambitions.
Current Trade Landscape and Astros’ Focus on Cease
MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported that Dylan Cease is the primary trade target for Houston, although discussions with San Diego reportedly cooled, and the Astros also showed interest in pitcher Sandy Alcantara, according to Bob Nightengale at USA Today. Despite this, Cease remains the best fit for Houston given his combination of postseason experience and contract status, especially after the Seattle Mariners acquired Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, signaling the competitive moves among AL West rivals.
Competition and Playoff Context in the AL West
The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers both trail the Astros by five games in the American League West, and other contenders like the Los Angeles Angels, situated nine games behind Houston, have recently strengthened their bullpen. Most top playoff teams in the AL have completed key trades, making Aston’s acquisition of Cease critical to holding their position at the division’s forefront.
Cease’s Performance and Potential Impact on the Astros
Though Cease’s 2025 statistics appear underwhelming with a 3-10 record and a 4.79 ERA, signs of improvement have surfaced over the past month. Pitching deep into games, he recorded 24 strikeouts while allowing only seven earned runs in his last three starts. His strikeout ability remains strong, and a change in environment might help him regain his earlier form, potentially becoming a vital playoff contributor for the Astros.
Trade Considerations and Contract Factors
Dylan Cease’s expiring contract after the 2025 season means Houston can likely acquire him for fewer prospects compared to other pitchers like Joe Ryan or Sandy Alcantara, both of whom are under long-term control and would demand substantial returns. This could allow Houston to strengthen its rotation without sacrificing top-tier prospects, balancing immediate needs with future planning.
Rotation Challenges and Depth Issues
The Astros currently face a depleted rotation, with Lance McCullers, Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, and J.P. France all sidelined. Bringing Cease aboard would provide three dependable starters—Cease, Valdez, and Brown—to lead Houston in the postseason, with hopes that injured pitchers return in time to bolster depth for critical playoff matchups.
Comparing Astros’ Rotation to Postseason Rivals
This trio would equip Houston with a starting lineup comparable to any pitching staff from rivals like Toronto, New York Yankees, Detroit, or fellow AL West teams. Given the moves other contenders have made, adding Cease could be the decisive factor in the Astros’ 2025 World Series pursuit.
Historical Willingness to Acquire Pitching Help at the Deadline
The Astros have a track record of making impactful pitching acquisitions at trade deadlines, reinforcing their rotation mid-season to maintain championship contention. Securing Dylan Cease would continue this trend and solidify Houston’s status as genuine World Series favorites as the season progresses.